Shampoo your hair if it gets dirty - no point in having long hair if it always smells like funk. I have to use a medicated shampoo because of my seborrheic dermatitis, and it's definitely drying, but it's better than having a gross scalp. During the summer i co-wash every 3 days or so (my scalp gets sweaty) and then use shampoo once a week. During the winter I co-wash once a week and shampoo every couple of weeks. If you work out a lot or you do lots of things that leave smells in your hair (you work in a restaurant or you smoke cigarettes, things of that nature) I'd recommend washing more often.
I used this shampoo before I went to the dermatologist and got prescription shampoo. I don't know why it's so expensive on Amazon. If there's a Trader Joe's near you, it'll cost you $3.99.
Why is no one suggesting residue-free shampoo? Don't use regular shampoo, even with thorough rinsing it can be damaging to your hair. This is the kind I use, it rinses out very easily and cleans well.
I also work in the OR. Hibiclens is not an unpleasant smell to me but it does reek of "hospital."
This community is pretty conservative with their use of products on dreads, but I've never had a bad experience using this if you're open to it.
I hope everything goes smoothly with your surgery.
It worked for me too. This morning I had to wake up extra early but had a migraine just starting so I hopped in the shower and used my peppermint scented conditioner from Trader Joe's, after a few minutes I felt fine. If you have TJ near you I highly recommend getting this shampoo and conditioner set (I think they're less than $5/each). Not only are they nice for your hair and scalp they're also great for when you feel a migraine coming on.
Edit: The name is Tea Tree Tingle, it has peppermint and eucalyptus in it. I might be wrong about the price because in Amazon they're nearly $12 per bottle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LMBLTY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2UQUzb878K4SS
Edit 2: There's also a body wash version! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LMCFFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rUQUzbM6GFRF0
I've heard a lot of people in this subreddit talk about the tea tree shampoo from Trader Joe's.
Personally, I've been buying the tea tree oil shampoo and aloe vera shampoo from amazon. These products don't work the same for everyone, so I would try to figure out what ingredients work and don't work for you. It sucks how much of a trial and error it is, especially if you're tight on money. Hope you find the right one!
It's a a minty body wash that my GF gets from Trader Joe's. It smells excellent. https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Peppermint-Eucalyptus-Botanicals/dp/B002LMBLTY